Fantasy Compromise Brings Delusion (Arranged Marriage) (Open/Always Accepting)

[that1aj]

Kale Baymoon
Water Prince

Looking at his friend from the Fire Kingdom, Kale knew he was right. "I know, Kurt, it's just... She's my baby sister, and I don't want anything to happen to her... Not like Katrina..." Trailing off, Kale noticed someone walking towards the two men. "Hey, Kurt, who's that?" he asked, pointing her out to his friend.

Spoiler: Tags

Elekta Kount NyanNyanYummy

 

[NyanNyanYummy]

"So much for not stirring the pot." Syn sighed, calculating any possible repercussions in her head. "You were a bit harsh on her, don't you think?"

"Absolutely." Alice rubbed her temples, trying to suppress her inevitable headache. "This treaty is an absolute joke, look at them all. Half of these kids are afraid of their shadows, while the other half are plotting and scheming to manipulate the circumstances into their favor." Alice stopped to look around the grounds. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the group she had interrupted had dispersed, with one of the Fire Princess' servants running off to goodness knows where. Over by the gazebo, the dark princess had begun performing a piece on the piano. Her technique, while quite raw, was filled with passion. The flim flam looking suave man with her looked taken aback by her performance. "Has the Dark Prince been spotted yet, Syn?"

Syn subtly motioned towards the festival booths. "It's unclear what angle he's playing, but that's him over there by the Purrsian. He has yet to reveal himself to anyone, but our spies tell us that he's made some new monstrous allies. It is most likely nothing, but the least we can do is watch from a distance for the remainder of the event."

Alice turned her head towards the griffin in the distance, letting out an exasperated sigh. "I suppose it's time we introduced ourselves Syn." The pair begin their walk towards her future husband, with her show guard in tow. "And where the hell is Kaylee? The ceremony will be over by the time she brings that gift she's been working on."

A few moments later, the group reaches the Prince pair. The Daughter looks up at the griffin in feigned admiration, to draw out the moment before speaking. "Kurt" she says, finally acknowledging them. "An impressive 'pet' you have here, you don't see these in my territories very often." She walks up to the pair, finally laying her eyes on the Water Prince. The confident woman slowly looks her future husband up and down, as if trying to assess his self worth. "Kale." A cocky smirk crosses her face. "Gentleman. I see you two were deep in conversation, by all means please don't stop on my account. What are we discussing here?"

Elekta Kount
that1aj

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

Kai listening intently as Benjamin described how her music box came to be. It meant so much more to her now that she knew all the care he took into making it. As he explained she also noticed how his nervous stutter would disappear, ahhh so this is what he likes to talk about. Kai made a small mental note about how he enjoyed talking about his craftsmanship, she'd have to ask more questions like this. In fact, she wouldn't mind at all asking him more questions like that, it quelled her curiosity.

"A-anyways, I'm just glad you like it. And thanks...for this, she's really cute." He spoke sweetly and Kai kind of liked how his small stutter made a reappearance. Thinking he was done talking about the adorable hippo, she was about to explain Hope and why she got her for him until Benjamin spoke up, "Though...not as cute as you."

She was happy he wasn't looking at her, because she felt like she was smiling stupidly and her cheeks blushed so intensely that anyone at the festival could see. It wasn't like this was the first time a boy had told her she was cute, in fact Kai had had a variety of suitors throughout her life because up until six months ago she wasn't involved in the arranged marriages at all. Kai never cared for any of them or payed them much attention because she was in no rush to get married and she knew with the level of respect the Water Domian had for all its citizens she could choose to marry whom ever she pleased. So naturally Kai had no idea how to respond to the compliment. Do I say thank you?...haha you're not so bad yourself...ugh there should really be a book for this.

She began to feel like it was talking her too long to respond. She desperately searched her memory for how her past suitors acted when she'd paid them compliments. Then it hit her, maybe no words was the way to go. Kai leaned over towards Benjamin, her hand tilting his hat back up ever so slightly and quickly pecked him on the cheek.

Kai didn't want to give him a chance to speak of it and began talking about Hope. "She is adorable isn't she? Made her myself too..." she paused for a moment and began laughing at her own joke,"She's a house hippo actually. I've heard that the Industrial Empire doesn't have them and I thought that was a shame. They're quite gentle creatures, but they eat like there's no tomorrow. It's no whirlpool, but if you just run her a nice cool bath, she'll love you forever...To be honest I had no idea what to get you, until I found her in my room a few days ago." Kai laughed nervously from her last comment. She hoped it wouldn't offend Benjamin. After all he had worked so hard on her gift, but she felt like she's put the same amount of thought into deciding what to give him.

Kai gripped the bench with her hands and looked down at her still bare feet that peaked out of her dress slightly. Waiting for Benjamin to respond, the sweet smell of pastries and samples of dishes from the different Kingdom teased her nose. Her stomach began to grumble and her mouth watered from the aromas. When do we get to eat again?

Elekta Kount

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[Elekta Kount]

Kurt Wycleff
Fire Prince

"Who?" Kurt asked as he turned around to see the industrial daughter.

The moment she said the word "pet" was the moment Kurt was looking up at Dawnwing, pushing against the big griffin, who had risen to it's full height, staring daggers at the new comer. "Dawnwing down." Kurt hissed, but Dawnwing wanted to do other wise. "Go take a lap and clear your brain, go on."

Dawnwing looked at his human companion, before looking back at the Industrial Princess and snorted through it's nose at the industrial daughter, blowing wing at her. Then Dawnwing turned around and trotted for a bit, before becoming airborne and ascended into the skies.

Kurt turned around to face the industrial daughter, his facial expression didn't even change one bit from that bout, a smile still remained on his face. "Please excuse Dawnwing, he's does not enjoy it when strangers call him "pet"." Kurt specifically left out the part about Dawnwing mauling her for that.

"But, on the subject of our conversation, we were actually talking about you." Kurt said, as he put his free hand on his hip, before looking at Kal and chuckling. "Speak of the devil, eh?"

Kurt then looked over at the industrial daughter and said to her. "Well, as we all understand, you two are to be wedded, so I'll leave you two to get acquainted. Don't want to interrupt any intimacies, I have some business to attend to else where as well."

Using his free hand, Kurt playfully grabbed Kal's furthest shoulder and pulled him in for a sideways bro hug. He was chuckling slightly, smiling brightly too, as he said "Kal here is a bit stiff on the outset, but quite the sweet heart once you get to know him, he'll treat you well."

As Kurt was smiling, he was able to whisper into Kal's ears the words "Good Luck", before releasing him from his grasp.

"I won't keep you two any longer." Kurt said before turning to Kal with a nod. "Kal..." Then he turned to the industrial daughter and nodded. "...miss." Before hefting his warhammer back onto his shoulders and striding away.

Moments later, he could seen approaching some people from his retinue near a fence post: The engineer, who was squatting and tinkering with something, the captain, who leaned against the fence with Kurt's standard in hand, the pyromancer, who was standing at attention with his brazer staff lit, Otto and Victor, who seemed to have been conversing, and lastly Otto's younger brother, who was leaning with his back turned on the fence next to the captain.

Kurt would soon start a conversation, mainly with Otto and the witch hunter...
NyanNyanYummy
that1aj

 

[Elekta Kount]

Fredrick Kiber
Lifeguard Squadron Leader

"We both know your not just some "random guy", laddy." Fredrick said, as he went around the blimp's corner to grab somthing, before coming back wit ha tool box. "You've know Benny for as long as I have, and I'd say you two get along pretty well."

He knelled down and grabbed a tool from the box, before going to work on the blimp.. He glanced over to where Benjamin and Kai were sitting, before nodding and saying. "That is indeed Benny, alright, seems like he found his princess."

Ferdrick kept on working until Chadwick said the next part, to which it caused Ferdrick to slowly stop, and look up at the big man with a mix of concern and confusion. "Laddy..." Ferdrick start. "...what rock have you've been living under for the past few weeks?"

Ferdrick then proceed to stand up, hands now on his hips as he looked up to the big man. "This is about Benny's wedding! It's been the only thing anyone's been talkin' about, well that and the Strays, but by gosh, Chadwick, did Benny not tell you? Does he even know your here?"
Theflamre

 

[Capricornus]

Tamara Esgard
Guard​

Tamara noticed that Teno started to stiffen up as a reaction to the information she just received. 'Oh no, oh no, oh no no no. This is not good.' She did not like to see the Princess in such a state. Especially since was unable to help her. Tamara started to notice the flames forming on her hands, which made her even more nervous. She wanted to put her hand on Teno's shoulder to try and calm her down, but instead, her hand just hovered over her shoulder. Instead of words, everything that came out of Tamara's mouth was but some stammered words.
If it hadn't been for Mister Bronson, Tamara would still be struggling to find some comforting words. "Oh, Miss Vindell is perusing buttons at the back. Feel free to go inside and take your time enjoying the wares, ladies."

'Oh! Perfect, great idea, great idea. Better join her.', Tamara looked around frantically, trying to find Rose. Only moments after, she heard her voice, Tamara's eyes following that direction.
"I'm so happy you two are here. Come on, we only have a little while before everything starts!" Seeing Rose made her sigh in relief. Before she could even ask what Rose was up to, she pulled Tamara and the Princess into a tent.

"Your majesty, Madame guard, this humble repair girl doth invite thee to Chez Bronson, the most exclusive tea party in all of Homeland. Let's take our minds off of the stress of the world and enjoy each others company." Rose bowed deeply as she welcomed them into the tent. Tamara looked around the tent. "Amazing, did you put this all up in so little time?" She usually doesn't enjoy tea all that much, but at this time, it was just what everyone needed.

"Oh, Rose how wonderful!", Teno exclaimed before sitting down into one of the many purple chairs. Tamara followed her lead and sat down next to her. She was glad that the Princess enjoyed this idea. 'Oh Rose, if you only knew how thankful I am right now.'

The somewhat bitter and herbal smell of the tea rose up to Tamara's nose. Unlike Teno, she waited a bit for the tea to cool down. She may have a high heat resistance, but that was only superficially.
"Rose, you're wonderful. I love this. If ever there was a time I needed some stress relief, it's now. What would I ever do without you?"
Tamara nodded, agreeing to what Teno was saying. She stirred in her tea, absentmindedly, while looking around the tent one more time. She couldn't possibly imagine how Rose had done this in such a small time frame.

"Did you happen to hear any of that out there, Rose? Tamara found my betrothed and I was just a few minutes away from a full fire panic."
Hearing what the Princess had just said, Tamara sat up straight in her chair, as if startled. "Thank you, Tamara. You are my white knight for sure. Or perhaps my white wolf. I'm not quite ready to... really make my acquaintance with him."
She said, turning towards her.
"Oh, that? I just did what you've told me to do.", she replied, with a smile. "Understandable. You never know what exactly to expect, coming from the Dark Realm. But who knows? Maybe they're not that bad.", she said in a joking tone. Yet, thinking back just a few moments ago, he actually didn't seem as bad as Tamara had thought. 'Well, this wasn't really an achievement. I had imagined something, or rather someone, looking rather beast-like, feral, reeking of death and- Maybe I was thinking slightly too bad of them.'

"Not to be picky, girls, since my options are quite limited", Teno started, "but Devon just gave me a very odd hug."
"Oh, I saw it as well! That's probably b-", Tamara stopped herself mid-answer. 'Wait... It would probably be best not to tell her that she was less than a few arm lengths away from her betrothed... Or would it? She told me to tell her, but what if she panics? That would not be good, not at all and-', she put her cup of tea against her lips to take a sip, then another, trying to buy some time to think. She accidentally drank it a little too fast, almost choking on the tea. She coughed one, two times, before looking at Teno. Tamara tried to look somewhat surprised, while lifting her shoulders. "Yeah... yeah it was weird. That- That's weird isn't it? Maybe he was feeling.. unwell? Yeah, definitely strange.", she answered in a slightly, yet noticeable, higher pitch than usually. She took another sip of her tea, this time way more carefully. She turned her head around to look at Rose, lifting her cup. "Good tea... good tea." 'Good thing you became a god damned guard and not an actor. Moron.'

BookishSnowWhite
NyanNyanYummy

 

[Theflamre]

Fredrick Kiber
Lifeguard Squadron Leader

"We both know your not just some "random guy", laddy." Fredrick said, as he went around the blimp's corner to grab somthing, before coming back wit ha tool box. "You've know Benny for as long as I have, and I'd say you two get along pretty well."

He knelled down and grabbed a tool from the box, before going to work on the blimp.. He glanced over to where Benjamin and Kai were sitting, before nodding and saying. "That is indeed Benny, alright, seems like he found his princess."

Ferdrick kept on working until Chadwick said the next part, to which it caused Ferdrick to slowly stop, and look up at the big man with a mix of concern and confusion. "Laddy..." Ferdrick start. "...what rock have you've been living under for the past few weeks?"

Ferdrick then proceed to stand up, hands now on his hips as he looked up to the big man. "This is about Benny's wedding! It's been the only thing anyone's been talkin' about, well that and the Strays, but by gosh, Chadwick, did Benny not tell you? Does he even know your here?"
Theflamre

"The kingdom found his princess" he corrected looking over at the princess "and I was just making sure that was his bride to be and not just some other water noble,". he looked over the woman keenly from a distance, he was a mechanical engineer meaning he had no qualification to judge someone by look alone except functionally. "and as to my whereabouts recently my grandfather passed away, the family graveyard is out here about 12 miles from here" he finally turned back around to regard the man. "also no he doesn't know I'm here I happened to be close by so I showed up" he purposely avoided the part about Benny not telling him. he had, he felt the question was somewhat insulting but not enough to worry about "is the offer of a ride still open?" he asked. He wanted to be close for this next bit, at the moment Benny looked happy which meant the woman was good with him for the moment.

 

[Elekta Kount]

Jean-Philippe Pélissier
Industrial Lieutenant and Guard

"Indeed." Pélissier nodded as he continue to stroll forward. "My opinion?...Truth be told, I am rather indifferent on this entire affair, though that is not due to my lack of consideration on the subject."

Pélissier looked a bit upwards as he started the next sentence. "Of course I am concerned about mousier Raveran's happiness, but..." A glance forward he saw the two busy with each other gifts. "...I've get a feeling those two will get along for the most part."

He then turned to look at Reith, and started to gesture with one hand while the other was behind his back. "And on the other hand, this business of marriage takes care of mosuier's Raveran's problem of romance, despite my best teachings, Je ne peux pas dire que je n'ai pas essayé... This marriage would also ensure peace between our nations, as I do not think either of us want to be reminded of... I think you understand."

Pélissier would then walk silently for a bit, he seemed to be remembering somethings, but he would snap out of it in a few moments.

"I do not blame you for being afraid.." Pélissier would start. "...As much as I want to assure you that you will have nothing to be afraid of, I cannot lie to you, mousier Reith; our nation has been in turmoil for sometime, especially after the war... There's has been much unrest as of late, gangs have been popping up all over the city, the insurgence is also a problem... and on top of all that, there's has been...a unique infestation of rats in the sewers; trust me when I say it is much worse then it sounds."

Pélissier could only sigh after he listed off each threat. He went on for a few seconds in since, before turning to Reith. "But, I assure you, we will see to that no harm will befall your Princesse..." Pélissier then raised a palm into the air. "...I swear my life on that, mousier Reith, et alors aidez-moi si je manque."
Katsuya

Benjamin Raveran
Industrial Son

Benjamin became a bit more nervous when Kai didn't respond. Maybe he over his stepped his boundaries? Pélissier always said that a girl did like to be told she was cute, but maybe that was to-

Benjamin didn't get a chance to finish that thought as he felt his hat move slightly, and then...

Spoiler

The nervousness immidatly vanished, replaced by a lot of heat. Benjamin's face went a whole new shade of red, steam felt like it was rushing out of his ears, his legs went numb and his head started to spin, not to mention the fact that he too was now smiling like a mad man.

Benjamin barely could register Kai's first few words, only nodding slightly, but it was her laugh that brought him back to consciousnesses.

"She's a house hippo actually. I've heard that the Industrial Empire doesn't have them and I thought that was a shame. They're quite gentle creatures, but they eat like there's no tomorrow. It's no whirlpool, but if you just run her a nice cool bath, she'll love you forever...To be honest I had no idea what to get you, until I found her in my room a few days ago."

Benjamin then stole a glance at the water princess, who was looking down at her feet, and had enough remaining consciousness to deduce that she was a bit nervous at her selection of gifts. Benjamin looked back at Hope, and his smile only grew brighter. He was very happy with such an adorable gift, though he wanted to show it to her other then just stuttering all over the place, perhaps it would put her nervousness to a slight rest as well.

Then he thought of doing somthing that caused his face to continue to blush like crazy. Pélissier's advice had already launched him further then he expected, figured that he might as well try one of Pélissier's other tips.

With a shaky hand, he slowly moved it around the water princess and gently rested it on her furthest shoulder. Benjamin was now starting to doubt this idea, but he had already gone this far, might as well see it to the end. Gently, he brought himself closer to her, embracing her in a kind of sideways hug. Kai seemed only slightly shorter then him, but he was able rest his head ever so gently on hers, though be mindful to put only an ounce of pressure on her.

At this point Benjamin's brain was on the brink of overloading himself, but he was able to push out. "I-I...l-lov-ve...i-itt..." mid phrase Benjamin had to breath in in order not to fully pass out from what he was doing. "T-t-haank-k-k...yoou-u."

He kept his hand on her shoulder for a bit and his head resting gently on hers, a bit frozen in fear of what she was going to do next, because he has seen this fail before and was bracing himself for any impact with what tiny amount of consciousness he had left. But then he heard somthing that sounded like the growl of a stomach. Lifting his head off of hers, he realized the sound came from the water princess's stomach.

Benjamin didn't know why, but he started chuckling rather light heartily. "Hehe, a-are you hungry-y?" He said, keeping his hands on her shoulders as he stole a glance at her face.
lissamissal

 

[NyanNyanYummy]

"Did you happen to hear any of that out there, Rose? Tamara found my betrothed and I was just a few minutes away from a full fire panic."

"I was so busy with all this that I didn't hear anything. Come to think of it, I do kind of remember him acting a bit odd. I told him the tent was for you though, so i just figured that was his way of being discreet about us using the space." Rose swirls the cup below her nose, taking in the beautiful aroma. She gives the cup a good blow before taking a long relaxing sip. "Mmm mmm mmmmm. The smell and the bitterness of this tea is so calming, I should make this more often!"

"You saw him Tamara? I must have just missed him when I came in." Rose refills her rough wooden cup with another serving of tea. "At least he's not like a nightmare monster or something. I've never seen him, but in my time in the Dark Realm, I heard rumors that he's actually a pretty normal looking guy. Little intense though."

Realizing she had just revealed an actual fact about her life, Rose becomes a bit flustered. "I mean uhh how bad can he look if he... ummm if his sister looks pretty normal." The stammering girl laughs nervously. Geeze, get a grip of yourself. All you've said is that you've been somewhere, it's not inconceivable to think that i've been places in my life. Rose tries to lift up the teapot, lightly burning her fingers. "Ouch! I guess I should've used something to pick it up with." She blows on her fingers, lifting the pot again with a piece of cloth. She smiles awkwardly, giggling at her misstep. "Can I get anyone a refill?"

Capricornus
BookishSnowWhite

 

[Katsuya]

Rein looked at Pellssier with a raised eyebrow, amused by the idea of a lieutenant teaching a Prince on romance. Then his teasing grin morphed into a worrisome frown at the mention of the war. He nodded in agreement and he didn't blame the lieutenant on staying quiet. The kelpie might not be on the front lines of the wars like the man beside him; but even he understood that the war was terrible to go through.

So after readjusting the tray to somehow hold the princess' shoes with one hand, the Kelpie gently placed a hand of camaraderie on Pellssier's shoulder. If he ever looked at him, he would Rein smiling in understanding as if he didn't need to explain anymore if he didn't want to. With a few comforting pats, the Kelpie servant continued to listen.

"I do not blame you for being afraid.." Pélissier said. "...As much as I want to assure you that you will have nothing to be afraid of, I cannot lie to you, mousier Rein; our nation has been in turmoil for sometime, especially after the war... There's has been much unrest as of late, gangs have been popping up all over the city, the insurgence is also a problem... and on top of all that, there's has been...a unique infestation of rats in the sewers; trust me when I say it is much worse then it sounds."

He was alarmed at that and he wondered if perhaps he shouldn't let the Princess go in such a city after all. His nose scrunched up at the mention of rats in the sewers, already thinking the water must be really ... bad and smelly if rats are in the sewers...the gangs are not good either...

"Lovely..." Rein deadpanned.

"But, I assure you, we will see to that no harm will befall your Princesse...I swear my life on that, mousier Rein, et alors aidez-moi si je manque." Pelissier reassured and Rein grinned at the lieutenant.

"Thank you, Sir Pelissier." Rein placed a hand over his chest where his heart is and bowed his head. "Same. I swear on my life to ensure the Prince will be safe. You have my word." He may not be a soldier like the man beside him but he will do his best at seeing that the Prince stay safe whenever he's around. Same with the Princess.

Speaking of which, the older men finally reached over to the couple and Rein placed her shoes right next to Kai. "Here's your shoes, Princess." Then he placed the tray beside the cute royal couple, pouring the water in the two cups before offering a cup to Kai and to Benjamin. He spotted the box in Kai's hands and smiled softly before it changed into a grin.

"Is there anything you need me to bring?" Rein asked kindly, his ice blue eyes looked over at the shy prince with a teasing grin. "For the both of you, I mean..."

Elekta Kount lissamissal

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

Kai grew slightly worried when Benjamin didn't say anything for a while. Maybe she had offended him after all. Needless to say Kai was very surprised when she felt him move closer, placed his arm around her, and then leaned his head on hers. She felt her heart beat faster and faster. The touch of his hand was interesting, she could feel a slight roughness to it, but it was also soft and warm. Showing signs of affection were common in the Water Domain, yet she'd never experience any like this, even with her suitors. Her mind was racing on what to do and she peaked over to see if anyone was watching, especially Kale. Oh man my brother's going to kill you... luckily he seemed to be busy talking to Alice now, which was great because Kai was also afraid Alice would kill her too.

"I-I...l-lov-ve...i-itt..." she could feel his breath move her hair slightly and it sent a tingle down her back "T-t-haank-k-k...yoou-u." His stutter made her giggle a little now, mainly because she loved the sound of it. "It's no problem really. I'm glad you love her." She looked over to him and smiled, but quickly returned her gaze forward because she realized how closely they were now.

As her stomach growled louder she heard him let out a small chuckle. "Hehe, a-are you hungry-y?" Kai blushed lightly and smiled, "practically starving, I haven't eaten all day, I was too nervous." She began to laugh with him, but slowed to a stop as she noticed Rein and Pelissier had returned to them.

Rein had set her shoes right beside her and she looked at them disdainfully, knowing she'd have to put them back on. "Here's your shoes, Princess." Kai smiled and moved to put on one shoe at a time,"Thank you Rein, whatever would I do without you?" She gladly took the glass of water he'd poured for her and sipped on it sweetly. "Is there anything you need me to bring? For the both of you, I mean..." Kai watched as Rein gave Benjamin a rather teasing look. She quickly finished her water and set the glass down where her shoes once were. "Actually, Benjamin and I were just talking about going to get some food. Would you two like to join us?" As she spoke Kai reached her hand across her body and laid it on top of Benjamin's on her shoulder.

Elekta Kount Katsuya

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[Katsuya]

"Thank you Rein, whatever would I do without you?"

"...Less headaches from the chefs." Rein said, grinning wide. They both know he's a bit of a trouble maker since he loves to prank on the serious chefs back home. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Benjamin's arm on her shoulder and her hand over his. 'Oh-hooo~ I see the first signs~!' He resisted his urge to tease to the pair in front of him. They are getting along which is fantastic really... Though he wondered about their older siblings...

"Actually, Benjamin and I were just talking about going to get some food. Would you two like to join us?" Rein blinked."...Um..." Would the Prince even be okay with him and Pelissier coming with him and Kai? Then again they are pretty shy...but the arm over her shoulder and the fact that she's actually really close to him and holding his hand...

"...S-sure. Why not? I am a little hungry." Rein said calmly despite the stutter. He didn't want to interrupt their moment together but he didn't want to be that far from Kai either as he was still nervous about the other royal children...especially the Industrial Princess...

He suddenly felt bad for Kale as he peeked over his shoulder to see Alice talking with the fire and water princes. Oh boy....

lissamissal Elekta Kount

 

[Elekta Kount]

Benjamin Raveran
Industrial Son

Benjamin was just easing up a bit as he laughed with the water princess, but he suddenly jumped in his seat upon hearing Reith's voice, no doubt more then startled. He would of retracted his hands, if his body didn't lock up after getting startled.

Benjamin brought himself under control when he realized it was just Reith and Pélissier. But unfortunately for him, the situration in his cheeks got worse, as he watched as Reith gave him a teasing look, as if he was implying somthing, while Pélissier was standing in the background with his arms folded, snickering all the while.

Benjamin, just lowered his head, hoping his hat would cover his face again.

Benjamin's arms was no longer locked into position as he relaxed a bit, taking his arm off of Kai's shoulder as she began to put her she on. He noticed that she was too happy about, and started to wonder if it was the shoes, or if she wanted to go barefoot. His thoughts were put aside when Reith offered him water, which he took it, nodding in thanks as he did. Benjamin took a sip, before he heard a whining in his lap. Realizing that it was the little hippo in his lap, who was now looking up to him with pleading eyes, glancing between him and the glass of water. Benjamin could only let out some breath, though he smiled as he did, and lowered his glass so the hippo could received it. It actually surprised the industrial son on how fast the little thing emptied the glass of water, as he raised it up to see that it had been drained clean. Looking back down, he smiled as he watched the hippo lick it's lips, before placing the glass back on the tray, nodding again in gratitude.

"Actually, Benjamin and I were just talking about going to get some food. Would you two like to join us?"

Benjamin was about to say somthing when he felt her hands on his shoulders, and though his body did not lock up again, it tensed up a bit upon first contact, before relaxing at her touch. Seemed that he too was getting comfortable with the water princess. Benjamin just nodded in agreement with Kai.

Reith was the first to speak. "...S-sure. Why not? I am a little hungry."

Pélissier was the secound to speak, as he took a step forward and placed a hand on Reith's shoulder. "I would love to as well, madame. Though, I would exserise some constraint; you two are scheduled to have lunch with the other princes and princess, so it would be best if we had a light snack."

Pélissier then took the hand off a step back, gesturing towards the tables where their was food.

Benjamin placed his hands on Hope as he stood up, before realizing somthing. Tucking the little hippo in one arm, he turned around and offered the other hand to Kai. "M-my, l-lady, lady." Benjamin stuttered out, but it seemed he was working to ironing out his words, though he still had a bit ways to go.
lissamissal
Katsuya

 

[Elekta Kount]

Fredrick Kiber
Lifeguard Squadron Leader

"I wouldn't say that." Fredrick replied to that comment as he went back to work. "I don't think everyone in the kingdom is a hundred percent on board with the idea yet, even now that they've thought and talked about it. But it's still too early to say, only time will tell whether she will truly be our new daughter."

Fredrick then glanced up at the big man with an amusing smile. "I don't know what gave you that idea, Benny ain't exactly a ladies man, though gosh knows what Jean's been teaching that lad."

When Chadwick mentioned his dead grandpa, Fredrick slowed his work to crawl, before looking up again at the younger man. "Oh, well I am sorry for your lose, lad. Though I didn't know your family was from the commonland."

When Chadwick told Ferdrick about being close by, and asking for a ride, Ferdrick shrugged and responded. "I don't see why not, though mind you laddy, I'm not the one to talk to. Though, I really don't see why Benny won't allow you to tag along with us, I mean he does consider you a good friend, if nothing else."
Theflamre

 

[that1aj]

Kale Baymoon
Water Prince

Watching his friend walk away, Kale shook himself out of a daze. "You must be Alice. It's nice to finally meet you!" Kale said, holding out his hand to the Industrial daughter to shake. Feeling his gift to Alice in his pocket, Kale started. "Oh! I almost forgot. I have a, uh, gift for you. I wasn't really sure what you like, so... My sister gave me some advice." the prince said, smiling sheepishly.

Spoiler: Tags

NyanNyanYummy

 

[Theflamre]

Fredrick Kiber
Lifeguard Squadron Leader

"I wouldn't say that." Fredrick replied to that comment as he went back to work. "I don't think everyone in the kingdom is a hundred percent on board with the idea yet, even now that they've thought and talked about it. But it's still too early to say, only time will tell whether she will truly be our new daughter."

Fredrick then glanced up at the big man with an amusing smile. "I don't know what gave you that idea, Benny ain't exactly a ladies man, though gosh knows what Jean's been teaching that lad."

When Chadwick mentioned his dead grandpa, Fredrick slowed his work to crawl, before looking up again at the younger man. "Oh, well I am sorry for your lose, lad. Though I didn't know your family was from the commonland."

When Chadwick told Ferdrick about being close by, and asking for a ride, Ferdrick shrugged and responded. "I don't see why not, though mind you laddy, I'm not the one to talk to. Though, I really don't see why Benny won't allow you to tag along with us, I mean he does consider you a good friend, if nothing else."
Theflamre

"The common folk would debate anything they see as possibly bad, but once they start earning a profit from more open trade she will be praised from the highest roof tops just you wait" people in his kingdom had an amazing turnover rate when it came to trade once sworn foes could become close friends if money became involved. "and you would be surprised the shy often attract the pretty ones for some reason, I'm surprised he didn't find a woman before hand, that and the fact he is the prince helps a lot" he said only half joking.
"Also thank you but it wasn't much of a loss he was 102 and had spent the last decade of his life eating nothing but bacon and eggs for breakfast, he was ready though I will miss him I've already mourned his death in my own way. My grandfather asked to be buried out here you know he was more proud of being a Marygold than a soldier and he was one hell of a soilder, killed alot of men in the wars. He was always fond of saying "the only weapons a Marygold ever needed was his bare hands, and a plan" people would argue with him , but he had been a veteran in some war with the neighboring kingdoms and survived with just that, his bare hands. He would snap necks and crush skulls of his foes , even got a nice shiny metal for all his trouble. Everyone said that he would be killed one day before they got within reach but the old man always had some plan to be on top of them before they knew it" he smiled at the smaller man, the story was true he took no small amount of pride in that fact, but more than that he was telling the man the same story he had been graced with as a child which explained his rambling. His grandfather had been the family pride, but he had also been a tricky bastard, using his funeral to come here and see when the princess and prince first meet would have made him smile. "He looks like hes being double teamed " he said shifting his attention back to the prince "should I save our prince from looking like a fool?" he said more wondering out loud than anything

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

Kai looked at Rein curiously as he responded. She wasn't exactly sure why he spoke with a slight uneasiness now, that wasn't like him at all, and the last time she heard him stutter well they had been just children then.

Pélissier was speaking as she thought and the only thing she caught was something about a 'light snack.' Haha as if... Kai smiled politely and spoke with a slight hint of sarcasm in her voice that you wouldn't register unless you knew her well,"Oh of course, of course...wouldn't want to spoil lunch!" Kai winked at Rein as she took Benjamins hand, intertwining her fingers in his and rose from the bench with her music box in her other hand. Rein knew better than anyone 'light snack' was not a part of her vocabulary, she didn't even know the definition of a snack!

She looked over to Hope who was happily tuck under Benjamin's arm and spoke sweetly,"Don't worry little one, we'll get you a snack too, won't we!" Kai returned to looking at Benjamin and smiled as she spoke humorously,"lead the way lover boy!"

Elekta Kount Katsuya

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[Katsuya]

"Oh of course, of course...wouldn't want to spoil lunch!"

Rein, once again, grinned as he heard the hint of sarcasm in her voice and chuckled quietly. Yea, no. The princess doesn't do light snacks. He still remembers the times that he distracted the chefs so she can get more food from the kitchen and meet up with her again to eat together in secret. She would grab a lot too; enough for her and him.

"M-my, l-lady, lady." Someone's trying to be flirty! Rein bit his bottom lip to hold back laughter as once again he thought the prince was adorable but the princess' response-

"lead the way lover boy!"

The Kelpie looked over to see the Prince's reaction as his grin grew bigger; looking very similar to a cat who just ate a canary. A very happy cat too. A few chuckles can be heard from him as he tries to compose himself. He followed the pair over to the food table, trying his best to not laugh out loud from the adorable reactions coming from the Prince.



lissamissal Elekta Kount

 

[Elekta Kount]

Benjamin Raveran
Industrial Son

Benjamin's heart seemed to have skipped a beat when he felt Kai's hands close around his, the mad smile made a reappearance on his face.

"Don't worry little one, we'll get you a snack too, won't we!"

"Y-yeah." Benjamin nodded in agreement, shaking only slightly, but for the most part he was under control.

"lead the way lover boy!"

If he had a coin for every time his face lit up today, he'd at least have a handful by now. This time he didn't say anything, just nodded shily, and gently lead the water princess away to sound of chuckling and snickering from both Reith and Pélissier respectively. Benjamin wasn't sure didn't know if he should let go, but a part of him didn't want to let go of Kai's hand. They felt nice, soft, and in a way safe. If she wanted, she could have pulled away at any time without much struggle.

On their way to the food vendors, the group passed by the Fire Prince and his retinue. The Fire Prince seemed to listening contently to his witch hunter talk, they sounded like they were talking about bird watching or somthing, as the witch hunter would occasionally point to somthing. It was the pyromancer that noticed them walking by, standing their listening to the conversation with a lit brazer staff. At the pyromancer raised an eyebrow, though a grin would soon form on his lips, before he would give the water princess a friendly wave.

As the group passed by, the pyromancer would inform the rest of his group, who paused in their conversation to look at the couple...

Meanwhile, as the group was arriving at the area with all the food vendors, Benjamin gave Kai a nervous glance and stuttered. "S-so, someone-e y-you km-mow?"

Behind the couple, Pélissier had started up another conversation with the kepie servant. "I see you've noted our nation's madame." Pélissier said with a chuckle. "Perhaps you are worried about the water Le prince's safety in the clutches of our madame?"
lissamissal
Katsuya

 

[lissamissal]

.

KAI BAYMOON
Water Princess

Kai leaned on Benjamin slightly as they walked to sample different foods. Her feet were hurting in her shoes now and she was trying to ease the weight. As they passed Kurt and company, Kai noticed Sir Harrer waving to her. She smiled and waved back kindly, gently pulling her hand away from Benjamin and then returning it.

As they arrived, she heard Benjamin speak up again, "S-so, someone-e y-you km-mow?" Kai giggled as she spoke,"You could say that, I'm trying to convince Harrer to get me a Pegasus as a present. His fire manipulation used to frighten me as a child, but he is really a nice man."

Kai inhaled deeply the aroma of the sweet breads before them and she released her hand from Benjamin's to grab one for each of them. "These are some of the best breads from my Kingdom, I say some because Serenity's family makes the most delicious melon breads." She handed him a loaf and then broke a piece off of hers to feed to Hope. The hippo yipped in excitement and gobbled up the piece quickly, leaving no traces of it behind."Poor thing you must have been starving..." Kai cooed sweetly and then bit into her own loaf. She looked up at Benjamin and smiled as she finished the piece in her mouth. "Now take me to eat something you love." She spoke daringly towards him.

Elekta Kount

coding; allrightsreserved@crucialstar

 

[Elekta Kount]

Benjamin Raveran
Industrial Son

"Oh, well t-that's...w-wait, what-t?" Benjamin seemed to sound out, mostly a bit flabbergasted at the idea of Pegasus and Fire manipulation. But Benjamin had little to question her about it, as he felt the water princess let go, moving to a stand that smelled like someone had baked bread.

"These are some of the best breads from my Kingdom, I say some because Serenity's family makes the most delicious melon breads."

Benjamin watched as Kai picked up from the vendor two pieces of bread, and handed one to him, while feeding part of hers to Hope. All the while, Benjamin was wondering who was Serenity.

As he took the piece of bread, Benjamin gave a nod of thanks, before he took up and took a bite into it. This...was one of the best breads he has ever tasted, the flavor was differnt from regular bread, probably what the melon portion added to the bread. Though, it seemed to be missing somthing...

Benjamin kept on eating his piece of bread while watching as both Kai and Hope devoured their portion of the bread, which compared side by side with each other, made Kai look like a cute little animal. This caused him to stare a at Kai for a bit, as the bread was slowly going into his mouth, but he was able to snap out of it just before Kai looked back at him.

Quickly, he finished his slice of bread, swallowing the last bit. Then Kai said "Now take me to eat something you love."

For one reason it or another, the way she said it, frankly, sent a small shiver down his spine. He didn't know why, but it was just somthing aout her...her boldness, that Benjamin found attractive.

But bringing himself back to reality, Benjamin blinked for a secound, before looking among the food vendors for somthing. But then he spotted the exact vendor he wanted.

Lifting Hope up, he opened up his vest's chest pocket and gently placed the little hippo into it his pockets. He then whirled around back to the Melon vendor and picked up a few more slice of bread. Looking over to Kai, he used his head to gesture in the direction he wanted to go. "C-c'mon, I know-w wha-at willl m-make, make, this taste even *ahem* better."

Benjamin then went over to the stall he was thinking about. Turned out it was an industrial kingdom stall that provided homemade jam! Benjamin came over to the stall, and looked like he was fiddling with it. It was hard to see, as his back was blocking most of what he was doing. But soon he would turn around again to face Kai.

"H-here, have a tast-te." Benjamin said, handing her a piece of melon bread with what looked like jam on it. Turned out, the Industrial son had smeared a combination of apple and pear jam onto the melon bread, it was one of his favorite combinations.
lissamissal
Katsuya

 

[NyanNyanYummy]

Kaylee emerges from the Industrial Daughter's blimp, pulling a cart with large bump covered tarp. It was quite heavy, and took some effort to get down the blimp's gently angled ramp somewhat safely.

A stealth guard suddenly appears behind Kaylee, calling out her name as to not startle the girl. "Kaylee, where have you been? Our Daughter has been looking for you."

"Is she mad?" The engineer responds sheepishly.

"She's already confronted the Water Princess, the Fire Prince, and is currently speaking with the Water Prince, all while yelling our your name. What do you think?"

"Well, what do you expect? Look at this guy!" Kaylee punches the clothed object, causing a metal ringing sound. "If you lazy soldiers would've helped me push it, I could've given it to her already!"

The masked soldier grabs one of the heavy ropes hanging from the cart lets out a surprised grunt as he tries to pull it. "What in the world is this?"

The engineer lets out a confident sneer. "Something that'll guarantee a victory in the battle of the royal presents!"
______________________________________

"You must be Alice. It's nice to finally meet you!"

Alice consciously shakes Kale's hand very gently, while giving just the slightest curtsy. It was not something she enjoyed doing, but she learned a long time ago that her usual firm handshake was often overkill in delicate situations like these. She looks down at his other hand as he pulls a fragrant light blue box from his pocket, sheepishly offering it to her.

Alice grabs the box, silently cursing at Kaylee under her breath. "Yes, that's right. I'm Alice Raveran. It's nice to meet you Kale." She opens the box, pulling out an simple perfume bottle, and spraying just enough to get a hint of the smell. Alice let's out a smile, remembering the brief period she spent in the water kingdom. "This smells just like I remember the Water Kingdom smelling. Thank you Kale. Your present is--"

"Right here boss, just as you planned it!" Kaylee pulls her mysterious cart up to the pair. As it grinds to a stop, the exhausted guardsman falls to his knees gasping for air. "I know you're gonna love it your majesty, your fiance designed it herself!"

Alice stares at the giant covered object in front of her, feeling her headache begin to reappear. Her engineer had just staked her name on the mystery object, which she knew would certainly haunt her for years to come. She walks up to the excited girl, firmly gripping her shoulder and whispers, "You better know what you're doing Kaylee, or you're walking that thing home."

"Don't worry boss, I got this." Kaylee quickly grabs the tarp and yanks it off in one long pull. "Ta dah!" she exclaims. The entire group is left speechless at the massive present. The object was a 16 foot tall statue made from dozens of metal sheets, depicting a wolf running alongside a whale jumping out of metal colored water. The engineer nudges Alice with her shoulder, sporting a grin from ear to ear. "Well your highness, what do you think? Does your Fiance have an eye for taste or does she have an eye for taste?"

Syn instinctively slaps her forehead in frustration, grabbing kaylee by the arm and pulling her away from the pair. "Let's all give these two some privacy, shall we?" As the two walk away, Syn can be heard berating Kaylee, "In what world is a giant ugly statue 'the perfect wedding present'?" She smacks the girl on her shoulder several times as they walk off into the distance, with the sound of Kaylee's constant apologies fading away.

Alice silently stands before Kale, rubbing her temples and thinking of ways to punish her naive engineer. "So... Thanks for the gift." she lets out an awkward laugh. "Sorry about this big thing, I probably should have been paying closer attention to what she was doing. I can take it back if you'd like, I don't expect you to have to haul this behemoth back home."

that1aj

 

[Elekta Kount]

Fredrick Kiber
Lifeguard Squadron Leader

Ferdrick just started to chuckle. "I think you meant the aristocracy, right?" The chuckle slowly fadded into a sigh. "If anything does get signed, almost certain the common folk are going to carry the biggest burden. Did you hear about the newest piece of work from the Senete? They're allowing child labor! The bastards...but it's not like we can do much to change it, everyone's too busy looking out for themselves to be bothered about the children."

As Chadwick told the Lifeguard pilot about his grandfather, Ferdrick gave a nod once or twice. "So he also faught in the war, hm, wonder what regiment he was in?"

Ferdrick, like Henry and Pélissier, had participated in the war against the Water Kingdom. Though unlike them, who actually at some point served together in the same regiment, Fredrick was part of the Lifeguard air-force, and had participated in the blitz to the coast in the beginning and a few air raids against the islands of the Water Kingdom.

"Leave 'em be, I'm sure the boy can handle one lassy, especially if she's goin' to be his wife." Ferdrick said casually, glancing over to the couple. But then he noticed one of Alice's engineers and men were rolling somthing massive off of one of the transport. He leaned over a bit to get a good look, but it was covered with a tarp. "Hm, what ya reckon that could be?" He asked Chadwick, as he watched them roll it into the festival.
Theflamre

 

[that1aj]

Kale Baymoon
Water Prince

"It's truly no problem. Besides, if you should be thanking anyone, it's my sister. I had absolutely no idea what to give you." Seeing the statue, Kale was shocked. It was... huge! Walking around the roughly 15 foot tall statue, the water Prince looked at the image it depicted. A wolf running alongside a whale... Coming back around to Alice, Kale said, "There's no need for you to take it. I like it! Although, a wolf and a whale is an... interesting choice to say the least."

Spoiler: Tags

NyanNyanYummy

 

[Theflamre]

"

Fredrick Kiber
Lifeguard Squadron Leader

Ferdrick just started to chuckle. "I think you meant the aristocracy, right?" The chuckle slowly fadded into a sigh. "If anything does get signed, almost certain the common folk are going to carry the biggest burden. Did you hear about the newest piece of work from the Senete? They're allowing child labor! The bastards...but it's not like we can do much to change it, everyone's too busy looking out for themselves to be bothered about the children."

As Chadwick told the Lifeguard pilot about his grandfather, Ferdrick gave a nod once or twice. "So he also faught in the war, hm, wonder what regiment he was in?"

Ferdrick, like Henry and Pélissier, had participated in the war against the Water Kingdom. Though unlike them, who actually at some point served together in the same regiment, Fredrick was part of the Lifeguard air-force, and had participated in the blitz to the coast in the beginning and a few air raids against the islands of the Water Kingdom.

"Leave 'em be, I'm sure the boy can handle one lassy, especially if she's goin' to be his wife." Ferdrick said casually, glancing over to the couple. But then he noticed one of Alice's engineers and men were rolling somthing massive off of one of the transport. He leaned over a bit to get a good look, but it was covered with a tarp. "Hm, what ya reckon that could be?" He asked Chadwick, as he watched them roll it into the festival.
Theflamre

"Child labor? those bastards they don't know the risks, the Saturday before I left claimed 9 lives and those were fully grown men! if we put children in those death traps we call factories there will be a lot of small holes in the ground." The giant sighed knowing there was little he could do to help the matter. "well if they need it truly I'll be able to take one or two of them into my store, at least then I know they will be safe." he didn't have much but a harsh work ethic meant he had some money to spare if that went into paying off some child's paycheck and kept them out of the steel mills he was fine with it.
"Technically he was assigned to the three hundred and first regiment but they had been wiped out near the beginning of the war so he served with a lot of regiments," he said. His grandfather had always looked distant when he talked about his regiment said that spell casters had brought their ship down with a terrible storm, he had barely been able to escape. "funny how times have changed we can marry our foes, and enslave our children all in the same length of time," he joked dryly ,the joke was more an insult to the government of the industrial kingdom than to marrying of Ben and the water princess.
"I'm not sure if I agree with you," he said in response to his statement about Ben "Ben is many things, but a woman's man he is not though I agree with you on leaving him be the suffering shall make him a man" He joked lightning the mood. He looked over at the large machine and slung his wrench over his shoulder walking that direction. "Excuse me sirs what would that be," he said trying to raise himself to his full height and seem as if he had a right to ask. The trick in learning this sort of thing was seeming like you had the authority to know without saying you do, touching the borders of legality without crossing them. The other trick was not to ask anyone directly but make sure they know you're asking, make someone feel cornered they'll try and corner you. He then recognised the princess, he had visited the prince many times and the most they had shared was a bit of eye contact. which brought them to this point with the giant kin staring at the princess making it seem like he had asked her
NyanNyanYummy that1aj